Ambulance service urges people to stay safe around fireworks

Yorkshire Ambulance Service is urging people to stay safe in the run up to Bonfire Night.

Every year, its paramedics are called to deal with firework-related injuries. Some can be life-threatening.

The service has issued safety advice in a bid to reduce the number of people affected.

Dr David Macklin, executive director of operations, said: “Over the next few days our staff will treat a number of patients, children and adults, ranging from those with minor burns to those with more serious, life-threatening injuries.

“When used properly fireworks are safe and accidents are avoidable, but they can cause devastating injuries if safety precautions are not followed.

“We strongly recommend that people attend a professionally-organised public display.

“But if you are planning to host your own event, please make safety your main priority to ensure everyone has a good time without getting hurt.”

It has penned a list of dos and don’ts when dealing with bonfire or firework accidents:

- DO: Act quickly

- DO: If the patient is alight, extinguish any flames by rolling them on the ground